Heather Maehr
Brand Designer / Web Designer / Art Director
Portland, OR
Q What do you do?
“I’m a Visual Designer focused on bringing brands to life across digital and physical spaces.”
I create thoughtful, cohesive experiences across web, email, social, print, packaging, and large-format design. My approach balances strategic thinking with meticulous attention to detail and just the right amount of flair.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I built my career by exploring design from a few different angles. I’ve worked in-house and independently, taking on freelance, contract, and full-time roles across both UI/UX design and brand design.
This range has given me the opportunity to understand how brands and digital products come together, while working with various team structures, businesses, and creative challenges. Over time, I found myself drawn most strongly to visual and brand design, where I bring together strategy, systems, and a strong attention to craft.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I bring more than a decade of experience across visual design, brand applications, and web UI/UX, working both in-house and independently. I’ve led creative direction, mentored junior designers, and helped shape and evolve design systems while staying hands-on with the work. My background lets me think strategically about the bigger picture while staying focused on the details that make a design work.
Q What are you working on right now?
I’m currently helping bring a newly refreshed brand to life across it's full range of digital and physical touchpoints. I’m also working on a personal design project that gives me room to experiment, explore new ideas, and follow my curiosity outside of client work.
Q What’s your style?
My taste is pretty broad. I’m drawn to design that feels intentional, distinctive, and well-crafted, whether that means something bold and unexpected or something quiet and beautifully minimal. I don’t believe good design has to fit a particular aesthetic. I enjoy adapting my visual approach to the brand and the problem, while always looking for an idea or detail that makes the work memorable.
My personal portfolio is probably the best representation of my own visual taste and point of view, while my professional work shows how I adapt that perspective across different brands and creative challenges.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Art Direction for photoshoots. I've had the pleasure of being on set a few times and it's always a blast! :)
Q What is frustrating you right now?
The work itself isn’t usually the hard part. Right now, I’m focused on making more space for independent work and building the right freelance opportunities around it. The hardest part is carving out time for the business side of things.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I’d hire someone to handle the first layer of freelance work: responding to project inquiries, filtering opportunities, researching potential clients, and keeping track of leads and follow-ups.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
You don’t have to say yes to every project. It’s okay to be selective about the work you take on, and ultimately, it’s better for everyone when you’re doing work you’re genuinely excited about.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I’d love to learn from a motion designer who could help me get better at After Effects and push me past the parts that make me want to throw my laptop out the window 🙃
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I’m looking for ongoing or retainer-based projects where I can be a long-term creative partner, particularly around brand and visual design. I’m also open to web design projects, particularly using Squarespace or Framer.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My ideal client is a great communicator who gives thoughtful feedback, responds promptly, and genuinely values collaboration. They trust me to bring my design expertise to the table, while being open to exploring ideas together and building something great as a team.
Q: What is your rate?
My freelance rate is $125-$150/hour, with monthly retainers starting at $10k. Project pricing varies depending on scope, timeline, and complexity, so I’m happy to discuss what makes the most sense for each project.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Contact me here.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Books and time away from screens!
This member profile was originally published in July 2017, Updated September 2026.